Lori Calabrese, MD

Tag: Psychiatry

  • No. 7 Medical Innovation for 2017: Ketamine for Treatment-Resistant Depression (Video)

    No. 7 Medical Innovation for 2017: Ketamine for Treatment-Resistant Depression (Video)

    Hope and Fast Treatment for the Severely Depressed.

    For one-third of U.S. patients with depression, standard medications aren’t enough. With nearly 43,000 suicides a year, the need for effective treatment looms large. In 2013, ketamine, a drug commonly used for anesthesia, was studied for its ability to inhibit nerve cells’ N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Within 24 hours of receiving ketamine, 70 percent of patients with treatment-resistant depression saw an improvement in symptoms.Cleveland Clinic experts predict that 2017 will be the year that NMDA-receptor-targeting medications become widely available.

    In this video, learn why ketamine for treatment-resistant depression is one of Cleveland Clinic’s top 10 medical innovations for 2017.

    [Read the Original Article]
  • NBC News: “Doctors Say ‘Club Drug’ Ketamine Rescues Suicidal Patients”

    NBC News: “Doctors Say ‘Club Drug’ Ketamine Rescues Suicidal Patients”

    “Special K,” a psychedelic drug popular in dance clubs, is being used to treat severe depression when nothing else works. Watch the video below!

  • Low-Dose Ketamine In Treating Depression: An Outsider’s Perception

    Low-Dose Ketamine In Treating Depression: An Outsider’s Perception

    Mother and Healthcare Professional Discusses Her Child’s Experience with Low-Dose Ketamine for Treatment Resistant Depression

    As both a healthcare professional and a parent of a child who suffers from treatment resistant depression and anxiety, I have been quite attentive to the changes that arise in an individual after receiving low-dose ketamine. I thought it would be helpful to share my observations with others who are contemplating offering this innovative treatment in their practices or for those that may be exploring ketamine as an option in treating their own depression.connecticut ketamine

    Though low-dose ketamine can alleviate suicidal thoughts immediately and lift an individual from feelings of despair which many have suffered for years, it does not cure one’s depression indefinitely. Ketamine, in my experience, has worked in a way that it offers hope to individuals and provides a new found resilience in dealing with life stressors. As an outsider looking in, I have watched my child develop the drive and passion to discover new approaches to help improve her mental health and overall well-being. – , Nurse Consultant, Mental Health Care Advocate

    [Read the Full Article Here]

  • Is IV Ketamine Therapy the Future of Depression Treatments?

    Is IV Ketamine Therapy the Future of Depression Treatments?

    Each year, millions of Americans are diagnosed with major depression. Not all of them will seek treatment, and roughly 40% of those who do will not respond to antidepressants.

    Fortunately, there’s an alternative to Treatment-Resistant Depression – IV Ketamine Therapy

    IV ketamine therapy relieves treatment-resistant depression.

    Ketamine is administered at a low dose by IV infusion, and it works quickly. Many patients feel the benefits within hours. Although it is not FDA approved for the treatment of depression, several studies have shown it to be safe and effective when used as an IV infusion in low doses.

    It’s not uncommon for doctors to go “off-label” in prescribing medications. That means they prescribe medications to treat conditions research has demonstrated the medication is effective for. The medication might not have been approved for that use, but the FDA often approves a given medication only once. Once it is approved for use, research and experience sometimes reveals other uses for the medication.

    Scientific studies have shown that even a low dose of ketamine administered IV can dramatically improve depressive symptoms. Symptoms like suicidal thoughts, loss of pleasure or interest in things, and decreased concentration tend to respond quickly. In fact, the rapid response to IV ketamine infusions can be life saving. Studies have shown that a single dose of IV ketamine often dramatically reduce suicidal thoughts.

    Patients with Depression Respond to IV Ketamine Therapy when Nothing Else Appears to be Working

    Low self-esteem, impaired sleep and appetite, overeating, decreased sexual desire, and other depressive symptoms also improve rapidly. With IV ketamine treatment, patients who’ve been unable to escape depression have a better chance. By putting lifestyle changes into place that help keep depression in remission, they can life more rewarding lives.

    It’s important to note that Ketamine is not a miracle drug. Although it’s effective for the majority of patients, it doesn’t always work for everyone. As we know, the treatment of depression is complex and the best outcomes occur when treatment is comprehensive and tailored to each patient individually.

    If you’ve been battling depression and feel as though traditional antidepressants aren’t working, it may be time to consider IV Ketamine infusions.

    For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact my office today.

    To getting you back to your best self,
    Lori Calabrese, MD
    calabrese-0180_G

error: Content is protected !!